Aljezur Beaches

Overview

Aljezur offers a distinct beach experience on Portugal's Algarve coast. As part of the stunning Vicentine Coast Natural Park, its shoreline is dramatically different from the southern Algarve. Expect wild, rugged cliffs meeting the powerful Atlantic Ocean, creating breathtaking landscapes rather than sheltered resort coves. This area attracts nature lovers and those seeking tranquility over bustling crowds. Exploring the various beaches spread along this coastline requires a car, giving you the freedom to discover its diverse beauty.

Among Aljezur's coastal gems, several stand out. Praia da Arrifana is perhaps the most photographed, known for its iconic bay view framed by cliffs. Nearby, Praia da Amoreira offers a unique landscape where the Aljezur river meets the sea. For surf enthusiasts, Praia do Amado is a renowned hub with consistent waves and surf schools, while Praia de Monte Clérigo provides easy access and a charming village feel popular with locals. These highlights offer just a taste of the area's coastal variety.

The Atlantic defines the beach experience here. The water is refreshingly cool, even in summer, and conditions often feature strong waves and currents, making it ideal for surfing but requiring caution for swimmers. The coastline is also known for its frequent wind, especially in the afternoons. Access varies; some beaches like Praia de Monte Clérigo are easily reached, while others involve steeper descents. This relative remoteness contributes to the beaches generally being less crowded than those in the central Algarve. Discover the full range of coastal spots, including vast stretches like Praia da Bordeira, in our complete guide to Aljezur's beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Aljezur a good place for a typical beach holiday like the central Algarve?

Aljezur offers a different kind of beach experience compared to the central Algarve. Its coastline, part of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, features wilder, more rugged beaches dominated by cliffs and powerful Atlantic waves. It's less about resort-style holidays with calm waters and numerous amenities, and more suited for nature lovers, surfers, and those seeking dramatic landscapes and a quieter atmosphere.

Is Aljezur good for a family beach holiday with young kids?

While beautiful, many Aljezur beaches have strong waves and currents, making them less ideal for relaxed swimming with very young children compared to the calmer beaches of the southern Algarve. However, beaches like Monte Clérigo (with its river inlet) and Odeceixe (where the river meets the sea, creating calmer lagoon areas at low tide) can be more suitable. Constant supervision is essential due to the Atlantic conditions.

Praia de Monte Clérigo

Odeceixe Mar Beach

Can you swim safely at Aljezur beaches? What's the water like?

Swimming is possible, especially during summer months when lifeguards are present on popular beaches like Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amado. However, the Atlantic water is consistently cold (rarely exceeding 20-21°C even in summer) and conditions often involve strong waves and currents. It's more suited for confident swimmers and surfers than casual bathing. Always check sea conditions and lifeguard flags.

Praia da Arrifana

Praia de Monte Clérigo

Praia do Amado

Which are the best beaches for surfing in Aljezur?

Aljezur is renowned for surfing. Praia do Amado is famous for its consistent waves suitable for various levels and often hosts surf schools. Praia da Arrifana offers more sheltered conditions, good for beginners and intermediates, though it can get crowded. Praia de Monte Clérigo also offers good waves. Conditions vary, so checking local surf reports is recommended.

Praia do Amado

Praia da Arrifana

Praia de Monte Clérigo

Where should I stay to be near the beaches?

Staying directly on the beach is rare in Aljezur. Common options include staying in Aljezur town itself (requiring a drive to all beaches), in villages closer to specific beaches like Monte Clérigo or Odeceixe, or in rural guesthouses ('turismo rural') scattered in the countryside between the town and the coast. Arrifana also has some accommodation nearby.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Praia de Monte Clérigo

Odeceixe Mar Beach

Praia da Arrifana

Do you need a car to visit the beaches in Aljezur?

Yes, a car is highly recommended, almost essential. Beaches are spread out along the coast, often several kilometers from Aljezur town or main roads. Public transport options to the beaches are very limited. A car provides the flexibility needed to explore different spots.

Are the beaches crowded in Aljezur?

Compared to the central Algarve, Aljezur's beaches are generally less crowded, especially outside the peak months of July and August. Even in summer, beaches like Bordeira or Vale Figueiras feel vast and relatively empty due to their size. However, popular spots like Arrifana can get busy, particularly the car park and the main beach area.

Bordeira Beach

Vale Figueiras Beach

Is it very windy on the beaches?

Yes, the west coast of the Algarve, including Aljezur, is often windy, particularly in the afternoons. The prevailing wind is the 'Nortada' (northerly wind). While refreshing on hot days, it can sometimes be strong enough to make sunbathing uncomfortable. Some beaches like Arrifana offer more shelter due to cliffs.

People Also Ask

Are there beaches with restaurants and facilities?

Some of the more popular beaches have support facilities. Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amado typically have restaurants/cafes open, especially during the main season (roughly Easter to October). Odeceixe beach also has eateries. However, many other beaches like Bordeira, Vale Figueiras, or Carrapateira have minimal or no facilities, preserving their wild nature.

Praia da Arrifana

Praia de Monte Clérigo

Praia do Amado

Odeceixe Mar Beach

Are there nudist beaches in Aljezur?

While there are no officially designated naturist beaches, tolerance is high, and naturism is commonly practiced in more secluded areas of larger beaches. Praia do Amado (southern end) and Praia da Bordeira (away from the main entrance) are well-known spots where naturism is frequent.

Praia do Amado

Bordeira Beach

Can I take my dog to the beaches in Aljezur?

During the official bathing season (typically June to September), dogs are generally prohibited on beaches with lifeguard surveillance. However, outside of this season or on more remote beaches without concessions or lifeguards, rules are often less strictly enforced, especially if the dog is well-behaved. Always look for local signage.

What's the difference between Arrifana, Amado, and Monte Clérigo beaches?

Arrifana is a picturesque bay sheltered by cliffs, popular with surfers (especially beginners) and families, but can get crowded. Amado is a large, open beach known for consistent surf suitable for all levels and surf schools. Monte Clérigo has a village feel, a small river, rock pools, and is popular with families and surfers.

Praia da Arrifana

Praia do Amado

Praia de Monte Clérigo

Are some beaches hard to get down to?

Access varies. Some beaches like Monte Clérigo, Amado, and Odeceixe have relatively easy access with parking close by. Others, like Arrifana, involve a steep road down (sometimes restricted in summer) or long wooden staircases, such as the main access to Bordeira beach from the cliff viewpoint. Some more remote beaches require walking trails.

Praia de Monte Clérigo

Praia do Amado

Odeceixe Mar Beach

Bordeira Beach